MAHATHIR COOL AS ICE AHEAD OF POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ANTI-ICERD RALLY, REMINDS PROTESTERS TO ‘CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY’ & NOT TO LITTER – WHILE SELANGOR SULTAN QUASHES RUMORS HE, JOHOR SULTAN & ACTING PAHANG SULTAN WILL ATTEND UMNO, PAS-LED RALLY TOMORROW

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed regret and disappointment that his name has been linked to tomorrow’s gathering over the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

His private secretary Mohd Munir Bani said this concerned a statement circulating on social media, which claims that the “Sultan of Johor, acting Sultan of Pahang and Sultan of Selangor would attend the gathering.”

“The sultan has decreed that no quarters should involve His Highness’ name in whatever rallies organised by political parties or NGOs. Such statements can confuse the public.

“As the ruler of Selangor, the sultan should not be linked to any rallies organised by any quarter,” he added in a statement this evening.

Therefore, Munir said the sultan has reminded the people not to be influenced by such fake news.

PM hopes rally goers will be peaceful and won’t litter

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged those attending the rally in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to observe peaceful conduct and avoid littering.

Mahathir said this was the sole request by his government to the rally organisers.

“The rally organisers must assist the police and the authorities … to ensure there is no breach of peace or damage to public property.

“If possible, do not litter and ensure cleanliness,” he said in a message posted on his Facebook page today.

Umno, PAS and several NGOs are holding a rally against the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) by Malaysia.

On Nov 23, cabinet had decided not to sign the treaty. However, rally organisers said they will proceed as planned and will bill the event as a “celebration” of the federal government’s decision.

Mahathir said if the gathering tomorrow was indeed to “give thanks”, then the federal government appreciated the support shown.

He said his administration will not obstruct the organisers of the rally because that would infringe the government’s democratic principles.

“I pray that the gathering goes smoothly without any disruptions. Let us celebrate democracy in Malaysia,” he said.

mkini